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16th of November, 2022: Dr. Kenny Tse

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WHAT IS


OSTEOARTHRITIS?
 

CAN CHIROPRACTORS

HELP?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition characterised by the breakdown of the cartilage between joints as they wear and tear over time. It is the most common type of arthritis in Australia and is often found in the hands, knees, hips and spine.

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Unfortunately osteoarthritis (wearing and tearing) often progresses with age.  It can sometimes be normal however if accelerated, this is not normal. Ageing is out of our control, however there are other “risk factors” that can influence the progression of wearing and tearing which we can keep monitor, for optimal health. These include but are not limited to: 

  • Injuries to a joint 

  • Poor posture and body imbalance 

  • Repetitive overuse 

  • Obesity 

How does OSTEOARTHRITIS occur?

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Signs and Symptoms of osteoarthritis

Joint Pain: affected joints might hurt during or after a movements 

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Stiffness: stiff joints are generally more noticeable in the mornings or when being inactive. Patients with osteoarthritis generally take some time to get their bodies moving. 

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Tenderness: the areas affected may be very tender to touch even if you apply light pressure to it 

Decrease flexibility: not being able to move your joints in full range of motion  

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Bone spurs: these are extra bits of bones which form around the affected joints, they can sometimes be felt like hard lumps, but are more common diagnosed on x ray findings 

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Swelling/ inflammation: osteoarthritis can cause the surrounding muscles, ligaments or tendons to become inflamed around the joint.

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How can Chiropractic care help?

Unfortunately once the osteoarthritis has occurred, it can be very difficult to reverse. However the progression of wearing and tear and the risk factors as mentioned above can be monitored and maintained by your chiropractor.  The chiropractors will work on optimal joint alignment and range of motion to the spine and extremities. In doing so it can relieve the pressure in these joints to limit the amount of wearing and tearing being caused. Chiropractors also work heavily on corrective exercise and rehabilitation to improve posture and balance, to help relieve the pressures of wearing and tearing on the joints. The chiropractor can also work with patients' lifestyle and nutritional factors to improve overall health and reduce the risk factors of degeneration. 
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In the case of osteoarthritis, during your first visit, to prioritize your safety, the chiropractor will take a detailed medical history and perform a series of examinations on the affected joints to determine what kind of treatment approach is correct for you. The doctor may also refer you onwards for an X- Ray, Ct scan or MRI to assess the level of osteoarthritis in your joints 

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Depending on your results treatment options may include a combination of : 

  • Traditional Manual adjustments to the spine, or extremity joints ( arms/legs/hands/feet): to help mobilize joints and segments in the spine in their optimal range of motion. 

  • Soft Tissue therapies: massage techniques to reduce stiffness and soreness in surrounding musculature around joints that are affected.

  • Lighter manipulation techniques: Activator, drop piece, Biomechanical wedging 

  • Kinesiology taping : provides support for the muscles and joints in their normal range of motion 

  • Rehabilitation and exercise advice : corrective exercises to improve your overall posture and balance, weight distribution and relieving pressure 

  • Ergonomic advice:  to prevent the cause and the ongoing progression of wearing and tearing

  • Supplementation and nutrition recommendations :  to assist in joint health such as fish oils or glucosamine

Sources

  • Conesa-Buendía, F. M., Mediero-Muñoz, A., Fujikawa, R., Viñuales, P. G., Mulero, F., Giménez, J. P. M., ... & Mues, A. O. D. (2019). AB0088 mechanical stimulus induced by chiropractic manipulation reduces cartilage, subchondral bone damage and synovial inflammation in an experimental model of osteoarthritis.

  • Reichardt, A., Passmore, S. R., Toth, A., & Olin, G. (2022). Utilization of chiropractic services in patients with osteoarthritis and spine pain at a publicly funded healthcare facility in Canada: A retrospective study. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, (Preprint), 1-10.

  • Li, L. G., Gao, J. H., Gao, C. Y., Sun, W., Luo, J., Yang, K. X., ... & Zhuang, M. H. (2022). Clinical observation of chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of degenerative scoliosis. Zhongguo gu Shang= China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 35(5), 442-447.

  • Beyerman, K. L., Palmerino, M. B., Zohn, L. E., Kane, G. M., & Foster, K. A. (2006). Efficacy of treating low back pain and dysfunction secondary to osteoarthritis: chiropractic care compared with moist heat alone. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 29(2), 107-114.

  • Gottlieb, M. S. (1997). Conservative management of spinal osteoarthritis with glucosamine sulfate and chiropractic treatment. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 20(6), 400-414.

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